Crisis on Spanish Railways Overshadows Opening of Mobile World Congress 2026

The Spanish transport sector has reached a turning point as failures and suspensions of high-speed AVE lines have cut off Madrid from key southern cities such as Malaga and Cordoba. This situation has triggered a wave of criticism from entrepreneurs and regional authorities, who warn of tourists diverting to other countries in the Mediterranean basin. Local business chambers in Cordoba, fearing attendance during the upcoming Easter period, are even considering radical steps, including launching direct air connections with Madrid to bypass rail blockages. The hotel industry on the Costa del Sol estimates that the disruptions could bring tangible financial and reputational losses, striking at the foundations of Spain's service-based economy. Spain's rail network, although considered one of the most modern in the world, struggles with historical delays in local infrastructure and growing pressure on main arteries following market liberalization in 2021.Completely different moods prevail in Barcelona, which is finalizing preparations for Mobile World Congress 2026. Although the event was threatened by the specter of paralysis, drivers of Ferrocarrils decided to call off a planned strike, guaranteeing smooth passenger traffic. This year's edition of the trade fair goes beyond traditional mobile telephony, focusing on artificial intelligence, next-generation networks, and wearable devices. Parallel to the main panels, the Mobile Social Congress will take place, aiming to shed light on the dark side of digitalization and the phenomenon of so-called digital colonialism. The city has also taken a controversial economic step by doubling the tourist tax rate, making Barcelona one of the most expensive destinations in Europe. „La desconexión ferroviaria amenaza con desviar el turismo de Málaga al resto del Mediterráneo” (The rail disconnection threatens to divert tourism from Malaga to the rest of the Mediterranean.) — Industry statementIn the shadow of major events, the expansion of the Chinese automotive industry in the Iberian Peninsula is also visible. The Geely conglomerate has officially confirmed its entry into the Spanish market with modern SUV models, and Leapmotor has announced plans to launch electric vehicle production directly in Spain. This is a strategic response to growing competition from Tesla and Toyota, coinciding with artificial intelligence algorithm forecasts regarding the rental market. According to the latest predictions, the year 2026 will bring further rent increases in regions such as Extremadura, while Toledo may become a leader in price declines, illustrating the deep stratification of the housing situation in the country.